Depression/Anxiety

Do you find yourself feeling sad? Not sure why you just can’t seem to “pull yourself together”? Does the stress of everyday life seem too overwhelming to you? Do you find yourself wondering “why me…why is this happening to me”? Are there many times you feel tired, worried, fearful or anxious? Does it feel like you are all alone in your depression, sorrow, pain, or anxiety? Are there times when all of a sudden you feel overwhelmed or anxious? Are there times when you feel like depression and anxiety are happening together or in the same day or week? Do you have some nights when you experience nightmares? Are there many nights when the same scary dream or the same theme repeats over and over throughout the week?

If you have experienced some or much sadness or anxiousness, you are not alone. Many people we have counseled have experienced bouts of depression, times of sadness, and just not feeling themselves. Sometimes overwhelming stress can take its toll on your mind and body. If you are thinking about asking for help — to seek out hope, to feel good, be more optimistic, confident, willing to find peace for yourself and new ways to cope with life, this is your opportunity to get the help you need. There is hope. Therapy can be a place to sort out the difficulties of life, discover and uncover healthy ways of coping with unforeseen circumstances and reclaim a sense of well-being and confidence in you as a human being.

We have found that being sad, anxious, or feeling stress, anger, or at times regret or resentment are recognizable responses and feelings to sometimes traumatic, difficult, awkward, complex, and at times conflictual situations or relationships. In our counseling experiences, we have met with many many people who have had these and other responses and feelings when they come to therapy.

There may be questions you may have, things that may keep you from seeking therapy or following through with coming. So, let’s take a look at some of these questions.

What keeps me from going to counseling?

You may find yourself saying things like…

“I don’t like to talk about my problems with anybody….they wouldn’t understand”
“I’ve been let down by many people…including my family and friends”
“It’s hard to trust anyone”
“What good does talking about it do”?
“It’s not that bad, is it”?
How is counseling gonna do me any good”?
“Nothing changes!”
“I don’t see any way out”

Realizing how you are coping and feeling now and getting an idea that it’s not working too well really does prepare you to reach out for help. Getting through the first counseling session or two can be scary when you are not sure what to expect and when you are reluctant or not really ready to sort some things out. We understand. Many times we have found that just getting started begins the process of gaining empathy and compassion from a warm, caring counselor who is willing to walk you through the difficulties toward emotional and mental well being. We find many times that our clients discover hidden strengths, resilience to work through difficult thoughts and feelings, as well as a willingness to “let go” of past hurts, shame, guilt, and fear.

How much is this gonna cost me?

This is a legitimate question. Most people don’t plan for counseling and most times don’t plan on the car breaking down or other unplanned expenses. How does one plan for seeking therapy for their mental and emotional self? When weighing the cost, consider it as an investment into your health, into your self-esteem. Consider the results you want for yourself. Think of spending money on what is of great value…you!

Will things in my life ever change for the better?

This is a common question that many depressed or stressed out people ask. In the moment it seems like everything stays the same nothing with change and this is the mindset that is usually part of the depression or anxiety…the all or nothing or extreme talk. Through the counseling experience, we look to alternative and new coping strategies as well as new positive, realistic and honoring ways of challenging and changing the negative mindset toward a truthful, healthy, optimistic mindset. When you begin to change the way you see things many times hope emerges. When hope emerges, goals become clearer. We have found that when our clients are active in their counseling goals, they will notice good, positive results in a short period of time.

Combined we have several years of life experiences, counseling knowledge, and experience to journey together with you toward hope, joy, peace, and courage as you may discover help for your depression, anxiety, struggles, pain, and relationships.

Here are some links below of articles you may find encouraging to read. If you’d like, feel free to send us an email at joel@pathwaystucson.com or give us a call at 520-292-9750 to ask us some questions and/or to set up an appointment. Remember, we are here for you.